One-way wedge clutch having radially outer ramps

ABSTRACT

A one-way wedge clutch, including: an axis of rotation; an inner race having a first radially outwardly facing surface; an outer race located radially outward of the inner race and including a first radially inwardly facing surface with a plurality of radially inwardly extending ramps; at least one wedge plate radially disposed between the inner and outer races and including: at least one second radially inwardly facing surface; and, at least one second radially outwardly facing surface including a plurality of radially outwardly extending ramps engaged with the plurality of radially inwardly extending ramps; and, at least one resilient element: engaged with the at least one wedge plate; and, urging at least a portion of the at least one second radially inwardly facing surface toward at least a portion of the first radially outwardly facing surface.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a division of U.S. application Ser. No. 14/716,015filed May 19, 2015, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated inits entirety by reference herein.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to a one-way wedge clutch, and,more specifically, a one-way wedge clutch having an inner race, an outerrace, at least one wedge plate with a plurality of ramps on an outercircumference of the at least on wedge plate, and at least one resilientelement engaged with the at least one wedge plate. The at least oneresilient element urges at least a portion of the at least one wedgeplate into contact with the inner race while employing uniform drag.

BACKGROUND

One-way clutches rely on the relative rotation between inner and outerraces to switch between a locked mode and a free-wheel mode for theclutch. One-way wedge clutches typically include inner and outer racesand a single wedge plate or two wedge plates radially disposed therebetween. In free-wheel mode, the inner and outer races are rotatablewith respect to each other and the at least one wedge plate is rotatableas well. In other words, in free-wheel mode, the extent of thefrictional engagement between the at least one wedge plate and the outerrace is insufficient to initiate a locked mode. Typically, to initiate alocked mode, in which the inner and outer races and wedge plate arenon-rotatably connected, the inner race displaces the wedge plateradially with respect to the outer race. The at least one wedge platetypically includes ramps on the inner diameter; the ramps areoperatively arranged to engage correspondingly-shaped ramps on the innerrace. Such wedge plates are typically arranged to frictionally engagethe outer race via an interference fit. However, wedge clutches of thissort present premature lock-up problems when the inner race rotates withrespect to a stationary outer race.

The engagement sequence of a wedge plate typically starts at onecircumferential end and wraps around in a circumferential direction asloading takes place. This sequence causes concentrated loading of theouter and inner races at the point of initiation. Thus, typical one-waywedge clutches exhibit non-uniform loading of the wedge clutchcomponents.

Moreover, as the diameter of a one-way wedge clutch increases, theability to use the wedge plate as a spring to provide a preload forcefor its engagement decreases. A problem exists surrounding making thewedge plate the appropriate size to provide the appropriate amount ofpreload required. Additionally, large hysteresis can result fromproviding a spring that is strong enough to provide the appropriatepreload force and resist centrifugal forces.

SUMMARY

According to aspects illustrated herein, there is provided a one-waywedge clutch, including: an axis of rotation; an inner race having afirst radially outwardly facing surface; an outer race located radiallyoutward of the inner race and including a first radially inwardly facingsurface with a plurality of radially inwardly extending ramps; at leastone wedge plate radially disposed between the inner and outer races andincluding: at least one second radially inwardly facing surface; and, atleast one second radially outwardly facing surface including a pluralityof radially outwardly extending ramps engaged with the plurality ofradially inwardly extending ramps; and, at least one resilient element:engaged with the at least one wedge plate; and, urging at least aportion of the at least one second radially inwardly facing surfacetoward at least a portion of the first radially outwardly facingsurface. In a locked mode, the inner race, the at least one wedge plateand the outer race are non-rotatably connected. In a free-wheel mode,the inner race is rotatable with respect to the outer race.

According to aspects illustrated herein, there is provided a one-waywedge clutch, including: an axis of rotation; an inner race having afirst radially outwardly facing surface with a circumferentiallydisposed groove; an outer race located radially outward of the innerrace and including a first radially inwardly facing surface with aplurality of radially inwardly extending ramps; at least one wedge plateradially disposed between the inner and outer races and including: atleast one second radially inwardly facing surface including at least onechamfer disposed in the circumferentially disposed groove; and, at leastone second radially outwardly facing surface including a plurality ofradially outwardly extending ramps engaged with the plurality ofradially inwardly extending ramps; and, a resilient element: engagedwith the at least one wedge plate; applying a force to the at least onewedge plate in a first axial direction; and, urging at least a portionof the at least one chamfer into contact with at least a portion of thecircumferentially disposed groove. In a locked mode, the inner race, theat least one wedge plate and the outer race are non-rotatably connected.In a free-wheel mode, the inner race is rotatable with respect to theouter race.

According to aspects illustrated herein, there is provided a one-waywedge clutch, including: an axis of rotation; an inner race having afirst radially outwardly facing surface with a circumferentiallydisposed groove; an outer race located radially outward of the innerrace and including a first radially inwardly facing surface with aplurality of radially inwardly extending ramps; at least one wedge plateradially disposed between the inner and outer races and including: atleast one second radially inwardly facing surface including at least onechamfer disposed in the circumferentially disposed groove; and, at leastone second radially outwardly facing surface including at least oneplurality of radially outwardly extending ramps engaged with theplurality of radially inwardly extending ramps; and, at least oneresilient element: engaged with the at least one wedge plate; applying aforce in a circumferential direction to the at least one wedge plate;and, urging at least a portion of the at least one chamfer toward atleast a portion of the circumferentially disposed groove. In a lockedmode, the inner race, the at least one wedge plate and the outer raceare non-rotatably connected. In a free-wheel mode, the inner race isrotatable with respect to the outer race.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The nature and mode of operation of the present disclosure will now bemore fully described in the following detailed description taken withthe accompanying figures, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a cylindrical coordinate systemdemonstrating spatial terminology used herein;

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of a wedge one-way clutch withradially outer ramps and an axial spring;

FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of the one-way clutch shown in FIG. 2with the axial spring removed;

FIG. 4 is a front view of the one-way clutch shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 5a is a cross-sectional view taken generally along line 5 a-5 a inFIG. 4, showing dual wedge plates;

FIG. 5b is a cross-sectional view taken generally along line 5 b-5 b inFIG. 4, showing a single wedge plate;

FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of a one-way clutch with radiallyouter ramps and a circumferential spring;

FIG. 7 is a front view of the one-way clutch shown in FIG. 6;

FIG. 8a is a cross-sectional view taken generally along line 8 a-8 a inFIG. 7, showing dual wedge plates;

FIG. 8b is a cross-sectional view taken generally along line 8 b-8 b inFIG. 7, showing a single wedge plate;

FIG. 9a is a front view of a one-way clutch with radially outer rampsand a circumferential spring;

FIG. 9b is a front view of the one-way clutch with radially outer rampsshown in FIG. 9a with the circumferential spring traversing the gap inthe at least one wedge plate;

FIG. 10 is a front perspective partial view of the one-way clutch shownin FIG. 9 a;

FIG. 11 is an enlarged view of a portion of the wedge plate andresilient element shown in FIG. 9 a;

FIG. 12a is a cross-sectional view taken generally along line 12 a-12 ain FIG. 9a , showing dual wedge plates; and

FIG. 12b is a cross-sectional view taken generally along line 12 b-12 bin FIG. 9a showing a single wedge plate.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

At the outset, it should be appreciated that like drawing numbers ondifferent drawing views identify identical, or functionally similar,structural elements of the disclosure. It is to be understood that thedisclosure as claimed is not limited to the disclosed aspects.

Furthermore, it is understood that this disclosure is not limited to theparticular methodology, materials and modifications described and, assuch, may, of course, vary. It is also understood that the terminologyused herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only,and is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used hereinhave the same meaning as commonly understood to one of ordinary skill inthe art to which this disclosure pertains. It should be understood thatany methods, devices or materials similar or equivalent to thosedescribed herein can be used in the practice or testing of thedisclosure. It should be appreciated that the term “substantially” issynonymous with terms such as “nearly”, “very nearly”, “about”,“approximately”, “around”, “bordering on”, “close to”, “essentially”,“in the neighborhood of”, “in the vicinity of”, etc., and such terms maybe used interchangeably as appearing in the specification and claims. Itshould be appreciated that the term “proximate” is synonymous with termssuch as “nearby”, “close”, “adjacent”, “neighboring”, “immediate”,“adjoining”, etc., and such terms may be used interchangeably asappearing in the specification and claims.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of cylindrical coordinate system 10demonstrating spatial terminology used in the present application. Thepresent application is at least partially described within the contextof a cylindrical coordinate system. System 10 includes longitudinal axis11, used as the reference for the directional and spatial terms thatfollow. Axial direction AD is parallel to axis 11. Radial direction RDis orthogonal to axis 11. Circumferential direction CD is defined by anendpoint of radius R (orthogonal to axis 11) rotated about axis 11.

To clarify the spatial terminology, objects 12, 13, and 14 are used. Anaxial surface, such as surface 15 of object 12, is formed by a planeco-planar with axis 11. Axis 11 passes through planar surface 15;however, any planar surface co-planar with axis 11 is an axial surface.A radial surface, such as surface 16 of object 13, is formed by a planeorthogonal to axis 11 and co-planar with a radius, for example, radius17. Radius 17 passes through planar surface however any planar surfaceco-planar with radius 17 is a radial surface. Surface 18 of object 14forms a circumferential, or cylindrical, surface. For example,circumference 19 is passes through surface 18. As a further example,axial movement is parallel to axis 11, radial movement is orthogonal toaxis 11, and circumferential movement is parallel to circumference 19.

Rotational movement is with respect to axis 11. The adverbs “axially,”“radially,” and “circumferentially” refer to orientations parallel toaxis 11, radius 17, and circumference 19, respectively. For example, anaxially disposed surface or edge extends in direction AD, a radiallydisposed surface or edge extends in direction R, and a circumferentiallydisposed surface or edge extends in direction CD.

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of one-way wedge clutch 100 withradially outer ramps and an axial spring.

FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of one-way clutch 100 shown in FIG. 2with the axial spring removed.

FIG. 4 is a front view of one-way clutch 100 shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 5a is a cross-sectional view taken generally along line 5 a-5 a inFIG. 4, showing dual wedge plates.

FIG. 5b is a cross-sectional view taken generally along line 5 b-5 b inFIG. 4, showing a single wedge plate. The following should be viewed inlight of FIGS. 2 through 5 b.

One-way wedge clutch 100 includes axis of rotation 101, inner race 102,at least one wedge plate 104, outer race 106 and at least one resilientelement 108. To simplify the presentation, the discussion below isdirected to a single wedge plate 104 unless indicated otherwise.However, it should be understood that the discussion is applicable todual wedge plates 104 as well. To simplify the presentation, thediscussion below is directed to a single resilient element 108 unlessindicated otherwise. However, it should be understood that thediscussion is applicable to more than one resilient element 108 as well.One-way wedge clutch 100 is arranged to rotate about axis of rotation101. Inner race 102 includes radially outwardly facing surface 110.Outer race 106 is located radially outward of inner race 102 andincludes radially inwardly facing surface 114 with radially inwardlyextending ramps 116. Wedge plate 104 is disposed radially between innerand outer races 102 and 106, respectively, and includes radiallyinwardly facing surface 118 and radially outwardly facing surface 122including radially outwardly extending ramps 124 engaged with radiallyinwardly extending ramps 116.

Resilient element 108 engages wedge plate 104 and urges at least aportion of radially inwardly facing surface 118 toward and into contactwith at least a portion of radially outwardly facing surface 110. In alocked mode, inner race 102, wedge plate 104 and outer race 106 arenon-rotatably connected. By “non-rotatably connected”, we mean that theelements are connected so that whenever one element rotates, the otherelements rotate and vice versa. Radial and/or axial movement of one orall of the elements with respect to each other is possible, but notrequired, when the elements are non-rotatably connected. In a free-wheelmode, inner race 102 and wedge plate 104 are rotatable with respect toouter race 106.

When relative rotation is present between inner race 102 and outer race106 with inner race 102 rotating in circumferential direction CD1, thelocked mode is initiated and inner race 102, wedge plate 104 and outerrace 106 are non-rotatably connected. When relative rotation is presentbetween inner race 102 and outer race 106 with inner race 102 rotatingin circumferential direction CD2, opposite circumferential directionCD1, the free-wheel mode is initiated and inner race 102 and wedge plate104 are rotatable with respect to outer race 106.

In an example embodiment, for relative rotation between inner 102 andouter race 106 in circumferential direction CD1, the frictionalengagement of wedge plate 104 and inner race 102 causes wedge plate 104to rotate in circumferential direction CD1 with respect to outer race106. As a result, radially outwardly extending ramps 124 slide acrossradially inwardly extending ramps 116 to displace wedge plate 104radially inward. That is, since radially inwardly extending ramps 116slope radially inward in circumferential direction CD1 and radiallyoutwardly extending ramps 124 slope radially outward in circumferentialdirection CD2, as radially outwardly extending ramps 124 slide upradially inwardly extending ramps 116 in circumferential direction CD1,wedge plate 104 is displaced radially inward such that: surfaces 110 and118 are compressively engaged and non-rotatably connected; and ramps 116and 124 are compressively engaged and non-rotatably connected.

To initiate the free-wheel mode, inner race 102 rotates incircumferential direction CD2 with respect to outer race 106 and due tothe frictional engagement of wedge plate 104 with inner race 102, wedgeplate 104 also rotates in circumferential direction CD2 with respect toouter race 106. As a result, radially outwardly extending ramps 124slide down radially inwardly extending ramps 116 in circumferentialdirection CD2 and radially outwardly extending ramps 124 and wedge plate104 displace radially outward relieving the compressive engagement andnon-rotatable connection described above.

In an example embodiment, radially inwardly facing surface 118 includesat least one chamfer 120 disposed along radially outwardly facingsurface 110. In an example embodiment, radially outwardly facing surface110 includes circumferentially disposed groove 112 and at least onechamfer 120 is disposed in circumferentially disposed groove 112.

In an example embodiment, radially inwardly facing surface 118 includeschamfers 120A and 120B, radially outwardly facing surface 110 includesoutwardly tapered surfaces 126 and 127 and the respective entireties ofchamfers 120A and 120B engage outwardly tapered surfaces 126 and 127. Inan example embodiment, wedge plate 104 is designed with a line-to-linecontact with circumferentially disposed groove 112. The term“line-to-line contact” means that when chamfers 120A and 120B of wedgeplate 104 engage surfaces 126 and 127 of circumferentially disposedgroove 112, the engagement is uniformly distributed across the surfacearea of contact such that there is no concentrated loading and a uniformloading exists instead.

In an example embodiment, resilient element 108 engages wedge plate 104,applies a force to wedge plate 104 in axial direction AD1 and urgeswedge plate 104 in axial direction AD1. As a result of the force appliedby resilient element 108, at least a portion of chamfer 120A is urgedinto contact with at least a portion of circumferentially disposedgroove 112 along surface 126 of circumferentially disposed groove 112such that one-way wedge clutch 100 exhibits uniform loading. As a resultof the axial force applied by resilient element 108, wedge plate 104 isbiased radially inward in radial direction RD1 as described to thelocked mode.

Since wedge plate 104 is displaceable between inner and outer races 102and 106, the preload, or the radially inward bias discussed above, isnot achieved from the at least one wedge plate 104 alone. The preload isachieved by resilient element 108 providing an axial load on wedge plate104. The axial load creates friction between chamfer 120A, oppositechamfer 120B, and inner race 102, in particular, at circumferentiallydisposed groove 112. In FIG. 5a , the axial load provided by resilientelement 108 also creates friction between wedge plates 104A and 104B.

In an example embodiment, resilient element 108 is a diaphragm spring.In an example embodiment, resilient element 108 includes extensions 132protruding radially inward and axially in axial direction AD2 and innerrace 102 includes axially extending channels 136. Each extension 132 isdisposed in a respective channel 136 to prevent circumferential rotationbetween resilient element 108 and inner race 102. In an exampleembodiment, resilient element 108 includes four extensions 132 and innerrace 102 includes four corresponding channels 136.

In an example embodiment, resilient element 108 and inner race 102 caninclude fewer extensions and corresponding channels, respectively. In anexample embodiment, resilient element 108 and inner race 102 can includeadditional extensions and corresponding channels, respectively.

In an example embodiment, outer race 106 includes lip 138 whichprotrudes radially inwardly and resilient element 108 is engaged withlip 138. Lip 138 can be integral to outer race 106, that is, formed ofthe material forming outer race 106, or can be a riveted plate or anysuitable alternative that holds at least one resilient element 108 inplace.

FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of one-way clutch 200 with radiallyouter ramps and a circumferential spring.

FIG. 7 is a front view of one-way clutch 200 shown in FIG. 6.

FIG. 8a is a cross-sectional view taken generally along line 8 a-8 a inFIG. 7, showing dual wedge plates.

FIG. 8b is a cross-sectional view taken generally along line 8 b-8 b inFIG. 7, showing a single wedge plate. The following should be viewed inlight of FIGS. 6 through 8 b.

One-way clutch 200 includes inner race 102 outer race 106, at least onewedge plate 204, and at least one resilient element 208. The discussionabove pertaining to one-way clutch 100, inner race 102, and outer race106 and their corresponding structural features applies to one-way wedgeclutch 200 except as noted. To simplify the presentation, the discussionbelow is directed to a single wedge plate 204 unless indicatedotherwise. However, it should be understood that the discussion isapplicable to dual wedge plates 204 as well. To simplify thepresentation, the discussion below is directed to a single resilientelement 208 unless indicated otherwise.

However, it should be understood that the discussion is applicable tomore than one resilient element 208 as well.

Wedge plate 204 is disposed radially between inner and outer races 102and 106, respectively, and, includes surface 118 with at least onechamfer 120 and surface 122 with radially outwardly extending ramps 124.Wedge plate 204 includes circumferential ends 240 and 242 separated bygap 244 in circumferential direction CD1. Resilient element 208 includesend 250 connected to circumferential end 240 and end 252 connected tocircumferential end 242. In an example embodiment, circumferential end240 includes aperture 246 to receive end 250 and circumferential end 242includes aperture 248 to receive end 252. Resilient element 208 engageswedge plate 204 to provide a circumferential force such that wedge plate204 is biased radially inward in radial direction RD1 and in frictionalcontact with inner race 102. That is, resilient element 208 urges ends250 and 252 toward each other in directions CD1 and CD2, respectively.

For relative rotation between inner race 102 and outer race 106 withinner race 102 rotating in circumferential direction CD1, the lockedmode is initiated and inner race 102, wedge plate 204 and outer race 106are non-rotatably connected. When relative rotation is present betweeninner race 102 and outer race 106 with inner race 102 rotating incircumferential direction CD2, opposite circumferential direction CD1,the free-wheel mode is initiated and outer race 106 and wedge plate 204are rotatable with respect to inner race 102.

The circumferential load provided by resilient element 208 createsfrictional engagement between chamfers 120A and 120B andcircumferentially disposed groove 112. In an example embodiment, forrelative rotation between inner race 102 and outer race 106 with innerrace 102 rotating in circumferential direction CD1, the frictionalengagement of wedge plate 204 and inner race 102 causes wedge plate 204to rotate in circumferential direction CD1 with respect to outer race106. As a result, radially outwardly extending ramps 124 slide acrossradially inwardly extending ramps 116 to displace wedge plate 204radially inward.

To initiate the free-wheel mode, inner race 102 rotates incircumferential direction CD2 with respect to outer race 106 and due tothe frictional engagement of wedge plate 204 with inner race 102, wedgeplate 204 also rotates in circumferential direction CD2 with respect toouter race 106. As a result, radially outwardly extending ramps 124slide down radially inwardly extending ramps 116 in circumferentialdirection CD2 and wedge plate 204 displaces radially outward relievingthe compressive engagement and non-rotatable connection described above.

FIG. 9a is a front view of one-way wedge clutch 300 with radially outerramps and a circumferential spring.

FIG. 10 is a front perspective partial view of one-way wedge clutch 300shown in FIG. 9 a.

FIG. 11 is an enlarged view of a portion of the wedge plate andresilient element shown in FIG. 9 a.

FIG. 12a is a cross-sectional view taken generally along line 12 a-12 ain FIG. 9a , showing dual wedge plates.

FIG. 12b is a cross-sectional view taken generally along line 12 a-12 ain FIG. 9a , showing a single wedge plate.

The following should be viewed in light of FIGS. 9a through 12b .One-way clutch 300 includes inner race 102, outer race 106, at least onewedge plate 304, and at least one resilient element 308. The discussionabove pertaining to one-way clutch 100, inner race 102, and outer race106, and their corresponding structural features applies to one-waywedge clutch 300 except as noted. To simplify the presentation, thediscussion below is directed to a single wedge plate 304 unlessindicated otherwise. However, it should be understood that thediscussion is applicable to dual wedge plates 304 as well. To simplifythe presentation, the discussion below is directed to a single resilientelement 308 unless indicated otherwise. However, it should be understoodthat the discussion is applicable to more than one resilient element 308as well.

Wedge plate 304 is disposed radially between inner and outer races 102and 106, respectively. Wedge plate 304 includes surface 118 with atleast one chamfer 120 and surface 122 with radially outwardly extendingramps 124. Wedge plate 304 includes circumferential ends 340 and 342separated by gap 344 in circumferential direction CD1. In an exampleembodiment, resilient element 308 forms a portion of a ring, engageswedge plate 304 and does not traverse gap 344 in circumferentialdirection CD1 as shown in FIG. 9a . FIG. 9b illustrates an exampleembodiment including resilient element 308 forming a portion of a ring,engaging wedge plate 304 and traversing gap 344 in circumferentialdirection CD1. Resilient element 308 engages with wedge plate 304 andurges at least a portion of at least one chamfer 120 into contact withat least a portion of circumferentially disposed groove 112. Resilientelement 308 applies a circumferential force such that wedge plate 304 isbiased radially inward in radial direction RD1 and in frictional contactwith inner race 102. In other words, the circumferential force appliedby resilient element 308 causes a simultaneous radially inwarddisplacement of wedge plate 304.

For relative rotation between inner race 102 and outer race 106 withinner race 102 rotating in circumferential direction CD1, the lockedmode is initiated and inner race 102, wedge plate 304 and outer race 106are non-rotatably connected. When relative rotation is present betweeninner race 102 and outer race 106 and inner race 102 is rotating incircumferential direction CD2, opposite circumferential direction CD1,the free-wheel mode is initiated and inner race 102 and wedge plate 304are rotatable with respect to outer race 106.

The circumferential load provided by resilient element 308 createsfrictional engagement between chamfers 120A and 120B andcircumferentially disposed groove 112. In an example embodiment, forrelative rotation between inner race 102 and outer race 106 with innerrace 102 rotating in circumferential direction CD1, the frictionalengagement of wedge plate 304 and inner race 102 causes wedge plate 304to rotate in circumferential direction CD1 with respect to outer race106. As a result, radially outwardly extending ramps 124 slide acrossradially inwardly extending ramps 116 to displace wedge plate 304radially inward.

To initiate the free-wheel mode, inner race 102 rotates incircumferential direction CD2 with respect to outer race 106 and due tothe frictional engagement of wedge plate 304 with inner race 102, wedgeplate 304 also rotates in circumferential direction CD2 with respect toouter race 106. As a result, radially outwardly extending ramps 124slide down radially inwardly extending ramps 116 in circumferentialdirection CD2 and radially outwardly extending ramps 124 and wedge plate304 displaces radially outward relieving the compressive engagement andnon-rotatable connection described above.

In an example embodiment, resilient element 308 is secured to wedgeplate 304 proximate circumferential ends 340 and 342 as shown in FIG. 9a. In an example embodiment, resilient element 308 is secured to wedgeplate 304 proximate circumferential end 342 and adjacent end 342A asshown in FIG. 9b . In an example embodiment (not shown), resilientelement 308 is welded to wedge plate 304. In an example embodiment,resilient element 308 is hooked onto wedge plate 304. Any securing meansknown in the art can be used for securing element 308. In an exampleembodiment, resilient element 308 is any retaining ring known in theart. In an example embodiment, plate 304 includes side 350 facing axialdirection AD2 and tabs 352 holding resilient element 308 in place.

In an example embodiment, the disclosed aspects enable at least onewedge plates 204 and 304 to be in its manufactured state when installed.

Although radially inwardly extending ramps 116 and radially outwardlyextending ramps 124 have been shown sloping radially inward indirections CD1 and CD2, respectively, it should be understood thatradially inwardly extending ramps 116 and radially outwardly extendingramps 124 can slope radially inward in directions CD2 and CD1,respectively.

It will be appreciated that various features of the above-describeddisclosure and other features and functions, or alternatives thereof,may be desirably combined into many other different systems orapplications. Various presently unforeseen or unanticipatedalternatives, modifications, variations, or improvements therein may besubsequently made by those skilled in the art which are also intended tobe encompassed by the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A one-way wedge clutch, comprising: an inner racehaving a first radially outwardly facing surface with acircumferentially disposed groove; an outer race located radiallyoutward of the inner race and including a first radially inwardly facingsurface with a plurality of radially inwardly extending ramps; at leastone wedge plate radially disposed between the inner and outer races, theat least one wedge plate including: at least one second radiallyinwardly facing surface having at least one chamfer disposed in thecircumferentially disposed groove, and at least one second radiallyoutwardly facing surface including a plurality of radially outwardlyextending ramps engaged with the plurality of radially inwardlyextending ramps; and at least one resilient element: engaged with the atleast one wedge plate, applying a force in a circumferential directionto the at least one wedge plate, and urging at least a portion of the atleast one chamfer toward at least a portion of the circumferentiallydisposed groove; wherein the inner race, the at least one wedge plate,and the outer race are non-rotatably connected when the one-way wedgeclutch is in a locked mode, and wherein the inner race is rotatable withrespect to the outer race when the one-way clutch is in a free-wheelmode.
 2. The one-way wedge clutch of claim 1, wherein: for relativerotation between the inner race and the outer race in a firstcircumferential direction, the one-way wedge clutch is in the lockedmode; and for relative rotation between the inner race and the outerrace in a second circumferential direction, the one-way wedge clutch isin the free-wheel mode.
 3. The one-way wedge clutch of claim 2, whereinfor relative rotation between the inner race and the outer race in thefirst circumferential direction, the plurality of radially inwardlyextending ramps and the plurality of radially outwardly extending rampsare arranged to slide across each other to dispose the at least onewedge plate radially inward.
 4. The one-way wedge clutch of claim 2,wherein: the at least one wedge plate includes first and secondcircumferential ends separated by a gap in the first circumferentialdirection; and the at least one resilient element traverses the gap inthe first circumferential direction and includes: a first end connectedto the first circumferential end, and a second end connected to thesecond circumferential end.
 5. The one-way wedge clutch of claim 1,wherein: the at least one wedge plate includes first and secondcircumferential ends separated by a gap in a first circumferentialdirection; and the at least one resilient element forms a portion of aring and is connected to the at least one wedge plate.
 6. The one-waywedge clutch of claim 1, wherein the at least one wedge plate includes aside that faces an axial direction and includes a plurality of tabsconnecting the at least one resilient element to the at least one wedgeplate.
 7. A one-way wedge clutch comprising: an inner race having anoutwardly-facing surface; an outer race having an inwardly-facingsurface facing the inner race, the inwardly-facing surface having aplurality of inwardly-extending ramps; at least one wedge plate disposedradially between the inner and outer races, the at least one wedge plateincluding an inwardly-facing surface and an outwardly-facing surface,the outwardly-facing surface having a plurality of outwardly-extendingramps engaged with the plurality of inwardly-extending ramps; and atleast one spring configured to (i) urge the at least one wedge plate inan axial direction, and (ii) urge at least a portion of theinwardly-facing surface of the at least one wedge plate toward at leasta portion of the outwardly-facing surface of the inner race.
 8. Theone-way wedge clutch of claim 7, wherein the inner race, the at leastone wedge plate, and the outer race are non-rotatably connected in alocked mode, and wherein the inner race is rotatable with respect to theouter race in a free-wheel mode.
 9. The one-way wedge clutch of claim 8,wherein relative rotation between the inner race and the outer race in afirst circumferential direction imitates the locked mode, and whereinrelative rotation between the inner race and the outer race in a secondcircumferential direction initiates the free-wheel mode.